The old adage 'less is more' certainly stands in cutting down on paper waste, one of the primary ways to go green at any time. As 4 billion trees are destroyed globally every year for the production of common items such as stereo speakers and the insoles of running shoes, using a recycling bin at work or at home for even the smallest scraps makes a drastic difference in helping to balance the overwhelming amount of production waste. However, there are other tried and true ways to start off 2010 with a greener footprint.
Buy Environmentally Friendly Products
Along the lines of environmentally friendly cars, housing, building materials, clothing, and cleaning solvents, many companies are making a steadfast effort in continuing to create products with the health of the planet in mind. An online search for every day utilities now generates earth friendly options and suggests local retail stores to save on shipping costs and paper and plastic waste at the same time. Many of these common items are right next to original products on shelves so it's never too late to start small by choosing the alternatives.
Utilize Local Companies
Costs of shipping and handling products can not only put a crunch on pocketbooks, they can also eat up valuable energy and manufacturing resources. Instead of sourcing from big names, try searching local cities for companies that can provide the same goods and materials in half the time and, more often than not, at a cheaper rate. Not only does this reduce pollution in the manufacturing and transportation of products but it also supports local community business and fosters relationships everyone can feel good about.
Read more at Suite101: Going Green in 2010: Five Ways to Live A More Environmentally Friendly Lifestyle http://environmentalism.suite101.com/article.cfm/going_green_in_2010#ixzz0sj6T1jdp
